Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Burnaby Mountain Biking and Hiking Trails
★4.5(97 reviews)Adventure
🕑 1.5 to 3 hours depending on which trails you choose and your children's pace👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger children (4-8) will enjoy the easier accessible trails and forest exploration, while older kids and teens (9+) can tackle more challenging hiking routes or bring bikes for the mountain biking trails. Toddlers can manage short sections in a hiking carrier.🧡 Saved by 50+ families
About
Burnaby Mountain offers families a perfect blend of accessible hiking trails and natural forest settings just minutes from Vancouver. Located on Simon Fraser University's scenic campus, these well-maintained trails provide everything from easy nature walks for little ones to more challenging mountain biking routes for adventurous teens, all with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and city.
Highlights
- ✓Playground of the Gods totem poles and panoramic viewpoint perfect for family photos
- ✓Easy accessible trails suitable for strollers and young walkers
- ✓Mountain biking trails for older kids and teens seeking adventure
- ✓Forest exploration opportunities with chances to spot local wildlife like deer and various bird species
- ✓Connection to the Trans Canada Trail for extended family hikes
Pro Tips
- 1.Park at the main SFU campus lots near the UniverCity area for easiest trail access. Parking is free on weekends and after 5 PM on weekdays, but can be expensive during weekday hours.
- 2.Bring bug spray during summer months and layers year-round as the mountain top can be cooler and windier than lower elevations.
- 3.Visit the Playground of the Gods totem pole sculptures at the summit viewpoint, a 5-minute walk from parking that kids find fascinating.
- 4.Download an offline trail map before arriving as cell service can be spotty in forested areas.
- 5.The Trans Canada Trail section here is perfect for families wanting a relatively flat, wide path suitable for jogging strollers and beginner cyclists.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or weekend afternoons offer the best experience with fewer crowds. Spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October) provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Avoid Thursday evenings when campus facilities have extended hours and trails can be busier with students.
What to Know
Trail access is free year-round. Parking fees apply on weekdays before 5 PM at SFU lots. No on-site food facilities on the trails themselves, so pack snacks and plenty of water. Restrooms are available in nearby campus buildings during the posted hours.
Seasonal Notes
Trails are open year-round but can be muddy during rainy season (November to March). Winter occasionally brings snow to the mountain, making trails slippery but magical. Trail conditions are best from May to October. Note the limited facility hours, especially weekend closures for campus buildings.
Nearby Eats
UniverCity's Cornerstone building (5-minute drive) has family-friendly options including Pogo Cafe and Boston Pizza. For a quick bite, the Highland Pub offers casual dining with kids' menus, or head down the mountain to Lougheed Town Centre (10 minutes) for a wider variety of chain restaurants.
More Activities Near Burnaby
Adventure
SFU Burnaby Campus - Simon Fraser University Hiking Trails
❤️7
Simon Fraser University's Burnaby campus offers families a unique blend of striking modern architecture and pristine natural trails winding through coastal rainforest. The accessible, well-maintained paths make it easy for families to explore nature together while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's an educational outdoor experience where kids can discover BC's native ecosystem right on a university campus.
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Still Creek Park
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Still Creek Park is a fantastic neighborhood green space that offers the perfect combination of active play and nature exploration for families. With its excellent playground equipment, refreshing summer splash pad, and scenic creekside walking trails, this Burnaby gem provides hours of entertainment without costing a penny. The well-maintained facilities and peaceful natural setting make it an ideal spot for both high-energy play and relaxed family picnics.
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Burnaby Lake Regional Park
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Burnaby Lake Regional Park offers 10 kilometers of flat, stroller-friendly trails around a serene lake where families can spot herons, ducks, beavers, and turtles in their natural habitat. This 400-hectare urban nature preserve is perfect for easy hikes, nature education, and peaceful picnics just minutes from Vancouver, with plenty of boardwalks and viewing platforms that make wildlife watching accessible for little ones.
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Deer Lake Park
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Deer Lake Park is a beautiful 182-acre natural oasis offering families the perfect blend of beach play, forest trails, and open green spaces. Kids can splash in the shallow lake waters, explore multiple playgrounds, spot turtles and ducks along the shoreline, and enjoy picnics with stunning mountain views in the background.